John Muir (1838-1914) was America's most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist. He founded the Sierra Club in 1892 and is also known as the father of our national parks. Here is an excerpt from his book Our National Parks, published over a hundred years ago in 1901. Amazingly I think the words could have been written today. I hope you’re tempted to read further. If so, you’ll find John Muir’s complete writings on the website of the Sierra Club at http://www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/
I was in Costa Rica for 15 days in November and among the many things that caused me to pause and wonder, the leaf-cutter ants really left me lingering. Next to humans, they form the largest and most complex animal societies on Earth, and I think it's time we stop and learn something from them. These ants march (insert song here) tirelessly from tree to colony carrying pieces of leaves sometimes 10 times (or more!) their body weight. Without a watchful eye, they can go unnoticed. But once one catches your eye and you crouch down to observe…
As you read this, I have headed out on an adventure of a lifetime. I’m spending three months soaking up rays, feeling the sand between my toes, and best of all, absorbing as much culture as possible as I explore the seven countries of Central America. This trip isn’t for work and isn’t with any program—I have only my backpack in tow and my best friend by my side to take the world by storm! The first question I always get when I tell people about my adventure is: “How are you able to do that?!” Well, it’s…